How to Buy a Tuxedo Shirt
Not all tuxedo shirts are made equally, which you may have noticed if you have ever tried to buy one. Cuts, bibs, collars and cuffs come are just a few of the things you have to worry about and that doesn't even touch on basics like color and fabric. There's no reason to panic as long as you keep a few basics in mind. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
Decide on a Collar Type
-
1
Buy the shirt the matches the style of tuxedo you will be wearing. Not only should you know what type of collar your tuxedo has, but also whether you will be wearing a bow tie or not.
-
2
Choose a wing-tip shirt, which is the classic shirt most people picture when thinking about a tuxedo. This type of collar should be worn with a bow tie. While white cotton is classic, a less-expensive blend fabric may be chosen. For a "white tie" event, which means tails, a wing-tip shirt is your only choice!
-
-
3
Skip the tie and get a contemporary look with a mandarin collar, also known as a band collar. Since these shirts usually do not have French cuffs, you can also skip the cuff links. Decorative button covers will be needed to complete the look.
-
4
Pick a lay-down collar for the most comfortable feel. Since this type of collar is most similar to a normal shirt's collar, many people feel comfortable in it. It works best with a tie and vest, but a bow tie can be worn as well. Most lay-down collared shirts have pleated fronts.
Select Other Tuxedo Options
-
5
Pick up cuff links if you plan on wearing French cuffs. While regular cuffs are acceptable, a shirt with French cuffs expresses a more formal look.
-
6
Shun tradition by buying a shirt without pleats. Most lay-down tuxedo shirts have pleats, but both pleated and non-pleated shirts are acceptable.
-
7
Consider pique or pinwheel shirts when wearing tails. These shirts are less common, but add a nice formal air to white tie dress.
-
8
Chose a fabric that is comfortable, as this is the one piece of your tuxedo that is closest to the skin. Keep in mind that cotton is more breathable when compared to polyester or other man-made materials.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Buy a couple of different shirts if you plan on wearing your tux to various events. A different shirt can make the tux more or less formal and add a bit of color or style to a basic tux.
Colored shirts should only be worn by younger adults or in less-formal settings.
